Stem Rust of Wheat

Abstract

An interesting question to pose is: What is the most important plant disease? Your answer may depend on whether you live in Kansas City or Hong Kong, eat rice or wheat, or make money selling cotton. Of greatest significance are the diseases which cause the greatest losses of our most important food crops such as rice and wheat. History records this with early investigations on diseases of rice in Japan, cabbage in Russia, potatoes in Ireland, and wheat and barley in Europe. Important plant diseases were noted and respected for their significance in even earlier times. For example, pagan celebrations were held in honor of the God Rubigo during the days of the Caesars in Rome, for this god brought about the rust of wheat.